National Cheese Toast Day

The Perfect, "Anytime," Snack

Ah, cheese toast—a culinary marvel that’s simultaneously a comfort food and a gourmet snack, depending on how much effort you’re willing to invest. National Cheese Toast Day, celebrated on September 15th, is a glorious opportunity to appreciate one of life’s simplest and most satisfying pleasures: bread and cheese brought together in gooey harmony. Whether it's a nostalgic nod to late-night snacks or a quick breakfast, cheese toast has cemented its spot in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. So, why not celebrate this toasty treasure with a little flair?

A Slice of History

Cheese toast may not have the international fame of pizza or the fancy allure of a croissant, but its history is deliciously simple and grounded in universal appeal. The basic idea of combining bread and cheese has been around for centuries—perhaps ever since the first person realized that heat could transform humble ingredients into something far more than the sum of their parts. The earliest known versions can be traced back to medieval Europe, where toasting bread over an open flame and adding cheese created a warm, hearty meal that was both economical and comforting.

While no single individual can claim they invented the act of melting cheese on toast (because honestly, who wouldn’t think of that?), there is one culinary icon who deserves special recognition: Del Johnson. In 1958, Johnson opened a steakhouse called "The Sizzler" in Culver City, California. Steak was the star, but it was his side dish—an unassuming slice of golden, cheesy bread—that captured hearts. Originally served to complement the restaurant’s hearty meat offerings, this little creation took on a life of its own. The cheese toast became so popular that it eventually evolved into a headliner, with people coming for the cheese toast as much as they did for the steaks.

Over the years, cheese toast found its way into homes, diners, and even gourmet restaurants. Its accessibility is part of its charm—anyone with a piece of bread, some cheese, and an oven can partake in this universally loved dish. And while Sizzler may have turned it into a phenomenon, cheese toast’s roots go much deeper, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas really do stand the test of time (and taste).

The Science Behind the Melt

At first glance, cheese toast seems pretty straightforward. You’ve got bread. You’ve got cheese. You’ve got heat. Done, right? Not so fast! The magic of cheese toast comes down to more than just throwing a slice of cheddar on bread. The alchemy occurs in the careful balance between crispy and gooey, golden and melted. First, the bread: not all bread is created equal. You want something sturdy enough to hold up to the bubbling cheese, but soft enough that it doesn’t turn into a cracker. A nice sourdough or a thick slice of French bread works wonders.

Then there’s the cheese. While cheddar reigns supreme in many households, the adventurous cheese toast connoisseur might mix it up with some Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a smoked Gouda. Different cheeses melt differently, so if you want that Instagram-worthy cheese pull, mozzarella or fontina is your go-to. But if you're after a crispy, sharp finish, aged cheddar has your back.

And let’s not forget the heat! Broiling is the key to achieving that perfect blistered top without turning your toast into a charred disaster. The trick is to keep a close eye on the process—because cheese toast waits for no one, and it can go from perfection to a smoky kitchen in mere seconds.

Variations on a Classic

Though cheese toast purists may argue for simplicity, there’s nothing wrong with a little experimentation. After all, National Cheese Toast Day only comes once a year!

• Garlic Cheese Toast: Add a swipe of garlic butter to the bread before you pile on the cheese for a more fragrant, savory flavor explosion. Warning: You might attract vampire hunters.
• Avocado Cheese Toast: Why stop at just cheese? Mash some avocado on top and pretend you’re being health-conscious as you indulge in this creamy, decadent toast.
• Tomato Cheese Toast: Place a few thin slices of tomato under the cheese, creating the closest thing to pizza without actually calling it pizza. A sprinkle of basil doesn’t hurt either—unless you’re trying to avoid any resemblance to sophistication.
• Double-Decker Cheese Toast: Feeling extra hungry? Double up the bread slices and cheese layers for a cheese toast lasagna situation. It may require a nap afterward, but it’s worth it.

Celebration Ideas

There’s no wrong way to celebrate National Cheese Toast Day, but if you want to go all out, here are a few ways to elevate your cheesy festivities:

1. Cheese Toast Tasting Party: Invite friends over for a cheese toast extravaganza. Offer a variety of breads, cheeses, and toppings, and let everyone build their own. Award the winner with—what else?—more cheese.
2. Cheese Toast Off: Host a cheese toast competition, pitting different cheese types against each other. Can cheddar really hold its own against brie? Will Gouda go the distance? You decide!
3. Giant Cheese Toast Creation: Gather the largest loaf of bread you can find and make an oversized version of cheese toast. Because if there’s one thing better than cheese toast, it’s more cheese toast.

The Perfect Pairing

Cheese toast, in all its simple glory, is versatile enough to be paired with a variety of dishes and drinks, elevating it from a quick snack to a more well-rounded meal. While it’s undeniably delicious on its own, the right pairing can take your cheese toast experience to a whole new level.

• Tomato Soup: The classic choice. Tomato soup and cheese toast are the culinary equivalent of peanut butter and jelly—each is great on its own, but together, they create pure magic. The creamy, tangy soup complements the rich, melted cheese, and there’s no greater joy than dipping your toast into that warm, velvety goodness. Pro tip: Add a dash of basil or a swirl of cream to the soup for an extra touch of sophistication.
• Salads: For those moments when you want to feel slightly healthier while still indulging in cheesy goodness, a light, crisp salad is the perfect companion. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad, dressed with a lemony vinaigrette, cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides a refreshing contrast. Throw in some cherry tomatoes or avocado slices, and you've got a balanced meal that will make you feel like you're eating "light"—even though we all know the cheese toast is doing most of the heavy lifting.
• Bacon or Ham: Want to take your cheese toast into savory overdrive? Add a side of crispy bacon or thinly sliced ham. The salty, smoky flavor of cured meats pairs beautifully with the melty cheese, creating a decadent and satisfying combo. You can even get creative and make a bacon or ham cheese toast sandwich—because, let’s be honest, sandwiches are just cheese toast with extra ambition.
• Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickles or pickled vegetables adds a zesty crunch that pairs surprisingly well with cheese toast. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, providing a delightful contrast. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try a slice of cheese toast with some pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Beverage Pairings: For drinks, the possibilities are endless. A cold, crisp soda or iced tea is a refreshing choice, especially on a warm day. For a more grown-up version of this classic snack, pair your cheese toast with a glass of wine—white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc for a sharper cheddar, or a light red like Pinot Noir if you're going with a heartier cheese. If it’s breakfast time, a cup of hot coffee or tea makes cheese toast feel like the ultimate comfort meal.

No matter what you pair it with, cheese toast has that unique ability to bring comfort and joy to any situation. Whether you’re keeping it simple or fancying it up with sides, you can’t go wrong with this classic.

Fun Cheese Facts

• Cheese is the most stolen food in the world, and with cheese toast being so irresistible, we wouldn’t be surprised if it played a part in that statistic. Guard your cheesy creation carefully!
• There are over 1,800 varieties of cheese globally. Imagine the endless cheese toast combinations you could explore—perhaps a new one for every day of the year?
• The record for the world’s largest cheese toast sandwich is a whopping 5 feet long. Try pulling that out of your toaster!

National Cheese Toast Day isn’t only about indulging in one of the simplest yet most satisfying snacks on the planet—it’s about paying homage to the beauty of melted cheese in its most humble form. So whether you’re a cheese toast traditionalist or a cheese adventurer, let September 15th be your excuse to eat as much of this crispy, gooey delight as you can manage. Besides, it’s practically a balanced meal: dairy, carbs, and, if you squint, maybe even vegetables (if you top it with a tomato or two). What more could you ask for?

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